There’s something magical happening in Casselton, North Dakota.

In recent years, our small but mighty community has rallied around a shared love of baseball and softball, transforming Casselton into a regional destination for America’s pastime. What began as a dream—to light the fields for night games and build space for our youth—has turned into a source of pride, economic growth, and unmatched community spirit.

It started with a vision: more opportunities for our kids, more reasons to gather as a community, and more ways to grow through sport. That vision became reality with the addition of a new softball/youth field—now proudly called ReadiTech Field—and a major investment in a state-of-the-art turf baseball field.

This wasn’t a small undertaking. The community raised every single penny for the principal amount of the turf field. Our longtime hometown supporter BankNorth stepped up with below-market financing to minimize the carrying cost. And then came the big hitters:

• Gary Tharaldson: $500,000
• Central Cass Booster Club: $250,000
• Valley Process Technologies: $250,000 for naming rights of the new field

But perhaps most inspiring? The additional$600,000 raised by local families, businesses, and organizations—proving that no contribution is too small when a whole town comes together.

The payoff? It's already happening: increased tourism, rental revenue, tournament hosting, and economic activity at local businesses. Maintenance costs are down. Community pride is up.

Summer of Showcases: Casselton Takes the Mound
>Diamond Days: A Tradition in the Making

Every year on the last weekend in June, Casselton hosts Diamond Days, a celebration of baseball and community spirit. What began just six years ago as a grassroots event now attracts teams and families from across North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota.

• Youth Tournament: 24+ teams across 9U–12U divisions
• Legion Tournament: 8 regional teams
• Proceeds: Support Casselton Parks & Recreation, Central Cass Public School, and a growing community baseball fund
• Fun Fact: We’ve already saved over $10,000 for future baseball investments—and haven’t touched it yet!

District 7 Class B Babe Ruth Tournament -- This July, we proudly hosted 8 area teams battling for a spot at the State Tournament—all on our brand-new turf. It’s a fitting debut for a field built by the community, for the community.

American Legion Class A State Tournament – 100th Year Celebration -- This is the big one. From July 31–August 4, Casselton will host the 100th Anniversary of the American Legion Baseball State Tournament—something made possible only because of our turf field investment.

Expect a full slate of festivities:

• Kat Perkins Concert and special anthem performance
• SB&B Community Meal with help from FFA students, benefiting the Sinner Bresnahan Healthy Kids Initiative
• Military Flyovers, 100th Year Coins, and Opening Ceremonies with dignitaries like Michael Howe, Scott Radloff, Justin Fletschock, and (hopefully) Gary Tharaldson

• Local Vendors: ND Tough, Alex the Ice Cream Man, Vibe Nutrition, Muddy Boots, Petite Eats, and more
• Custom Woodworked Home Plates for players and former Legion members to sign
• Live Streaming via Your Live Events
• Shuttle Service, Casselton Ambulance on-site medical, and top-tier hospitality all weekend long

More Than a Game

From economic impact to personal memories, Casselton’s baseball investment is already paying dividends. We’ve built more than fields—we’ve built a stronger, more connected community.

Whether you’re cheering in the bleachers, serving a burger at the concession stand, or volunteering behind the scenes ,you are a part of this incredible story.

So grab your glove, your lawn chair, and your red-and-black—because baseball in Casselton is just getting started.

(Article submitted by Casselton Community and Economic Development Department)